Burma charity ride

Ben Shakeshaft, 20, of George Street, Caversham, will start in the capital Rangoon on October 25 and ride south before returning five days later.

He will be part of a 20-strong group raising money for HopeAsia, a charity that cares for some of the most vulnerable children in the world by providing them with an education and a safe place to live.

Mr Shakeshaft, of George Street, said: “I thought I’d quite like to help out because I’ve followed the charity for a while and I’m friends with one of the founder’s children. I’m really looking forward to it but I’m a bit nervous as well because 400km is quite a long way. It’s my first time that far away from home.”

The cyclists, who will ride 100km on the first day, will stay in guest houses in the evenings.